A thousand subtle shades, mingling, crossing, contradicting and disguising each other, rendered it almost undecipherable at a first view.

As is usually the case with the Sclaves, it was difficult to read the recesses of his mind.

With them, loyalty and candor, familiarity and the most captivating ease of manner, by no means imply confidence, or impulsive frankness.

Like the twisted folds of a serpent rolled upon itself, their feelings are half hidden, half revealed.

It requires a most attentive examination to follow the coiled linking of the glittering rings.